Activities for a 4 year old?

[marscapone]

Can anyone recommend any play groups for a 4 year old? As I am on maternity leave with second baby, my son is now only at nursery one day per week. I've tried a few groups, 1 o'clock clubs etc but most of them seem more focussed on younger children

[prdarling]

Can't really help if you are looking at free play groups which you would attend with your son, as they do all seem to cater for babies but you could always think about something like Buds pre school which he could go to for a couple of sessions a week 9am-1pm. I think its about ?25 a session however you must be entitled to 15 free hours a week as your son is 4.

Not sure about how busy it is..certainly some days are busier than others but may be worth a try?? I have a 4 year old and a 2.5 year old there and they love it.

PM me if you want any more info

[snss75]

I found the same thing when my son turned 3; seemed like he was a bit "too old" for the playgroups :). Have you considered applying for the school nurseries to have your son there half day (am or pm) each day? That's what I did with my son when he was 3 and few months and he's been really happy. Now I have to come up with activities for the afternoons only!

[The Nappy Lady]

Was going to suggest the same thing as snss75, I found once mine was at nursery school she also made a lot more local friends of the same age, so never short of children to ask around for a playdate either, which helps a lot with the other half of the day!

I must also admit it was nice to be alone with the new baby in the mornings, sort of like being a first time Mum all over again, snuggled up on the settee breastfeeding for hours!

Molly

[prdarling]

I think the OP may be too late for a school nursery? Even if she were really lucky the earliest her son would get in would be September and if he's already 4, he'll either be starting Reception then or in January 2011.

May have more luck with a private pre-school dependng on waiting lists

[marscapone]

I wish I had applied for a nursery school place but I think I'm too late now. My son will start school in September and I believe they need to be going to nursery school for at least 2 terms to be considered for a place - but correct me if I'm wrong.

He is at a private nursery and used to go more often but now down to one day a week for the latter part of my maternity leave. He has lots of friends at nursery and we do see them sometimes - but we're still left with a few days a week with no plans. Of course we go to parks and playgrounds a lot now that the weather is better, but just don't know of many organised groups of an appropriate age for variety of activities, social interaction etc.

[millie42]

Hello there

I had a similar issue when my son got too big for the usual playschemes. I ended up enrolling him in swimming and gym classes for a couple of days a week at the Beckenham Spa. After 3 they can do the classes on their own so I was able to have a bit of free time wiith my younger baby. Also the softplay at the Spa was great as they just got on with it and ended up playing with the other children if we ever went on our own. It was a godsend during the winter months.

My 4 year old is at nursery in the morning but we are always usually around one of the parks with bikes and scooters on Monday or Tuesday afternoons if you fancy joining us.

M

[nunheadmum]

My local school nursery was asking us to confirm if we were still interested in a place by the end of this week or next (my daughter is 4 so would only get 1 term). So it may be worth asking at the local schools if it's still possible to put his name down....if you're quick!

[millie42]

Yes - there were also new joiners at my son's nursery last week so its probably worthwhile trying to find out if he can join for the final term. My son loves it and good preparation for "big" school.

M